Return to Rapture

Bioshock is a fascinating game.

I originally played it about three or four years ago (I could look it up I suppose but really cannot be bothered) and was impressed by pretty much every facet of the game. Here was a title that eschewed the tacked on multiplayer experience, at least until the sequel, and gave you something unashamedly provocative and interesting. It may not have had the layered moral choices that had, at first, been promised but there was so much to the game that it didn't seem to matter.

My first play through saw me scour ever last nook and cranny of the game. I went into every room, found every secret, listened to all of the audio tapes and rescued every last little sister. It was a sublime experience and one that I never really thought I'd repeat as, rather like the Sixth Sense, once you know the twist then some of the magic is lost.

However, not long after my initial playthrough an extra DLC achievement was added (for completing the game on Hard with no Vita Chambers) and that has finally compelled me to return under the sea.

My second go at the game is no less interesting, though for different reasons. This time I'm attempting to get through the game as rapidly as possible, taking on a minimum amount of foes and not going anywhere that I don't need to outside of the main story.

What's really interesting is just how much of the game you can miss if you play it this way. All of the little stories hidden away in secret rooms - like the 'porn' shoot in one of the flats, or the suicidal couple that died together or Atlas' base of operations. All of these things have nothing at all to do with the overarching narrative and yet, at the same time, they ALL do. The little subplots and audio messages that you just wouldn't hear if you didn't wander off the beaten path all help to add up to a rich and varied tapestry. Sure, you can make it through the game without them but you'd be missing out if you did so.

Despite myself, I will often go a little out of my way to find audio tapes if I see them, rescue all of the little sisters and find hidden gems regardless. Sure I'm trying to make my playthrough as quick as possible but that doesn't mean it cannot still be as enthralling and entertaining as it was the first time. Piecing together only dribs and drabs of the background story makes for an interesting, if disjointed, story and the big scenes are still as gripping as ever. Meeting Ryan, speaking with Atlas, learning the cruel twist of fate that has befallen you - they all still matter and keep me hooked, even though I know what's coming next.

In that way a good game will never stop grabbing your attention, and this one certainly doesn't, it may just do it in a slightly different way the next time.